Nun admits force-feeding children at orphanages

The nun admitted that she had “mistreated” children at Nazareth House in Lasswade, MidlothianSTUART WALLACE / SUNDAY TIMES SCOTLAND

A nun has admitted to an inquiry that she beat and force-fed children at orphanages. The 77-year-old, who cannot be identified, apologised to those that she had “mistreated” at Nazareth House homes in Aberdeen and Lasswade, Midlothian, while giving evidence to the Scottish child abuse inquiry.

She worked at the Catholic-run orphanages from 1963 until 1980 and admitted that she could lose her temper “on some occasions”, but denied other allegations made against her.

Colin MacAulay, senior counsel, said: “[One accusation says] you did punch her on the head and body, and strike her with a hair brush. Do you accept that you did that?” The nun said: “Yes.” Mr MacAulay added: “Do you accept then that you did seize hold of her by her…

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